The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has expanded on its regulatory role in Queensland for the development of the Queensland SuperGrid.
The AER has now been appointed to an advisory role by the Queensland Government under the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Act 2024, which provides a framework for Queensland’s priority transmission investments and renewable energy zones.
This is in addition to the AER’s role as economic regulator of infrastructure projects in New South Wales renewable energy zones under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020.
The Queensland Government can now seek advice from the AER on key infrastructure investments, including:
- Powerlink’s method for undertaking a cost benefit analysis regarding priority transmission investments (the Queensland equivalent of a RIT-T).
- Whether Powerlink’s proposed expenditure regarding a priority transmission investment is prudent and efficient.
The AER welcomes the new functions and is working closely with the Queensland Government on priority transmission investments for the long-term benefit of consumers.